In the result of investigative and other procedural actions investigated in Stepanavan Investigative Division of Lori Regional Investigative Department of the RA Investigative Committee a number of circumstances of illegal tree-felling in the sections of the branch of “Stepanavan forestry” of “Hayantar” SNCO were found out.

Through the materials prepared on the base of the record on forest violations received from the branch of “Stepanavan forestry” of “Hayantar” SNCO on June 14, 2021 factual data were obtained on the allegation that 50 trees of several kinds had been illegally cut down in Stepanavan forestry. As a result, damage in particularly large amount was caused to the state.

In the result of investigation factual data were obtained that between May and June, 2021 two residents of Pushkino settlement, separately, without a relevant permission illegally cut down different kinds of trees with a handsaw. In order to use the timber for heating they took it to the yard of their houses located in different addresses of the mentioned settlement and used it for their needs.

On the base of the obtained sufficient evidence charge was pressed against the residents of Pushkino according to the Part 1 of the Article 296 of the RA former Criminal Code which corresponds to the Part 1 of the Article 387 of the RA current Criminal Code.

Preliminary investigation of criminal proceedings on them was completed and the materials were sent to the prosecutor to confirm the bill of indictment and send the case to court.

On the whole, in the result of preventive and control measures as well as investigation within the criminal proceedings aimed at disclosure of cases of tree felling consistent decrease of cases of illegal tree felling has been recorded in the RA Lori region.

In 2021 108 cases of illegal tree felling were recorded in the territory of the region whereas in 2022 76 or fewer by 30%. Decrease of cases also resulted in significant decrease of the criminal proceedings initiated and investigated on them, as well as damage caused to nature.

In 2022 investigation was conducted by the investigators of the regional investigative department and subdivisions under it within 114 criminal proceedings on illegal tree felling whereas in 2021 the number of the investigated criminal proceedings was 138.

Within the framework of criminal proceedings investigated in 2022 the disclosed damage caused to the nature was about 32 million AMD which is about 7 times less than the damage disclosed in 2021 (234 million AMD).

In 2021 and 2022 criminal prosecution was initiated against 39 persons for illegal tree felling in the region among them 14 foresters.

During the previous two years 24 criminal proceedings in total on 24 persons were completed with the bill of indictment and sent to court.

Note; Everyone charged with alleged crime offence shall be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law.